Steven J. Reisner, PhD

Q3: How can APA best lead the discipline of psychology to address the needs of an increasingly diverse and global society?

I don't think it is useful to conceptualize APA as leading psychology in addressing the needs of a diverse and global society. Instead of perpetuating traditional hierarchies, APA should embrace a different vision, facilitating psychologists worldwide in sharing their wisdom, creativity and best practices. My professional travels in recent years — to places like Haiti, East Timor and South Africa — have convinced me that a flourishing future for APA depends upon our seizing opportunities to work as equal partners with diverse international and domestic colleagues in pursuing integrative, participatory solutions to the many urgent challenges that know no borders.

Q4: What do you see as the most significant challenges and the greatest opportunities for doctoral-level psychologists in the context of the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act will expand health and mental health care to more Americans. However, the expected shift toward interdisciplinary group practices for integrated care brings with it a danger that an emphasis on low-cost, short-term interventions will render mental health professions indistinguishable. APA should therefore highlight the particular scientific contributions and humanistic values of psychologists in assuring and restoring health and well-being. The public will best be served if APA and its Practice Organization emphasize psychologists' core ethics and values, which respect the uniqueness of individuals and resist the homogenizing symptom focus of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.